Brasil
/bɾaˈziw/noun
The Portuguese name for Brazil, also used in Spanish and as a historical English variant.
Did you know?The popular claim that Brazil was named after the phantom Atlantic island of Hy-Brasil is considered folklore; the stronger historical explanation connects the name with brasil, a red dye-producing wood associated with brasa, “ember.”
Etymological Timeline
Medieval Latin
Latin
brasilium
“A term for a red dye-producing wood; its deeper origin is uncertain.”
12th–13th Century
Old French
bresil
“Name for a red dye wood imported into Europe.”
13th–15th Century
Portuguese
brasil
“Red dye wood, associated in popular explanation with brasa, “ember” or “live coal.””
15th–16th Century
Portuguese
Terra do Brasil
““Land of brasil,” referring to the abundance of the valuable red dye wood in the newly claimed territory.”
Modern Portuguese
Portuguese
Brasil
“The modern name of the country Brazil.”